The Friedrichsplatz in Mannheim is one of the most completely preserved neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau structures in Germany. It was laid out in the years following the completion of the Mannheim Water Tower in 1889.
On the out-of-town side of the water tower is a water staircase that leads into a large basin with an adjacent fountain. The water feature, which operates from about the beginning of April to mid-October, is illuminated when darkness falls, with a colorful play of colors on weekends and holidays. The large fountain had first been put into operation on September 9, 1893.[1] Using incandescent lamp technology, the fountain system's technology most recently included 98 spotlights, 16 color changers, 178 nozzles, and 20 controlled pumps.[2] In June 2020, a new LED-based lighting system with 84 spotlights was put into operation, covering a wider color spectrum and also saving about 90 percent of the previous power consumption.[3] The fountain system will be completely renovated by 2023.[4]